Harry Krause wrote in message ...
DSK wrote:
SNIP
there were five objective greats: both Roosevelts,
Wilson, Johnson and Reagan. I would rank Reagan #2,
behind FDR. Normatively, I don't like much that FDR
did at all, but there is no disputing that he did it,
and changed the political landscape in fundamental,
enduring ways.
SNIP

I can't imagine any serious person putting LBJ on a list of great
Presidents. Wilson is a bit of a stretch too.

Stanley Barthfarkle wrote:

This last comment speaks volumes about the true character of
Conservatives
in this country- They give FDR his due-


Oh? I guess that means the legion of Republicans who regard FDR as a
traitor and sneer that the New Deal "failed" aren't really conservatives?

DSK


Great presidents of the last Century?

Wilson
FDR
Harry S Truman
JFK
Bill Clinton

Nixon might have been among the greatest, had he not ****ed up so
royally. He was one smart cookie. Nixon dead has a more jagged brain
wave than Dubya, who is as close to a flatliner as any many alive.

I think it's the times. IMO, presidential leadership has gotten
progressively worse, thanks in part to the dumbing-down of a voter
demographic raised on images, slogans, and easy catch-phrases. People
are just as likely to vote for the "better ad campaign" as they are a
candidate and his ideas. Arguably, part of Reagan's "greatness" is
that he had a certain persona and ability to exploit the right images
and slogans in a way that inspired others. Then again, the picture
tends to be rosier as memory fades and we become older and more
nostalgic while at the same time more cynical of our current times.

Also, the media pressure has become so great that it's been said, only
the most "insane" would want to run for president any more -- which is
rather sad, for certainly there are many men out there who would make
great leaders.